Civil

Central Government introduces an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to protect members of healthcare services

22.04.2020

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 22nd April, 2020 has approved promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to ensure safety of healthcare service personnel against any violence during epidemics. The President has given his assent for promulgation of the Ordinance. The Ordinance provides that, acts of violence against members of the Medical community during pandemic are cognizable and non-bailable offences. The Ordinance is termed as 'The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.

The Ordinance aims to ensure that, during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare service personnel and any damage to their property. The penal provisions can be invoked in instances of damage to property including a clinical establishment, any facility identified for quarantine and isolation of patients, mobile medical units and any other property in which the healthcare service personnel have direct interest in relation to the epidemic. Healthcare service personnel includes public and clinical healthcare service providers such as doctors, nurses, paramedical workers and community health workers; any other persons empowered under the Act to take measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease or spread thereof.

The commission or abetment of acts of violence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years, and with fine of Rs.50,000 to Rs.2,00,000. In case of causing grievous hurt, imprisonment shall be for a term six months to seven years and with fine of Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to pay compensation to the victim and twice the fair market value for damage of property. Offences shall be investigated by an officer of the rank of Inspector within a period of 30 days, and trial has to be completed in one year, unless extended by the court for reasons to be recorded in writing. Healthcare providers are frontline soldiers in battling the spread of Covid-19 and deserve highest respect and encouragement.

Tags : Ordinance Protection Healthcare service

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